Agenda item

(a)  That the development and introduction of a four year professional services framework to enable the cost effective procurement of essential consultants across a range of services be approved.

(b)  That it be noted that as part of the procurement exercise, Officers will publish the notice in the Find a Tender to invite Expressions of interest from Suppliers wishing to tender.

(c)  That it be noted that having followed and satisfied all the legal, regulatory and statutory requirements the framework agreement is set to commence in 2022 and run for a period of 4 years (the maximum period for a Framework).

(d)  That delegated authority be given to the Director of Place, following consultation with the relevant Lead Member(s), to approve the appointment of suppliers to the award of the Professional Services Framework agreement.

The Associate Director of Place, Strategy introduced a report that sought approval to develop a four year Framework Agreement of Architect/Design led Professional Services.

The framework would be for internal use within the Council but was principally targeted at Housing Revenue Account developments, General Fund work coming through the Place Delivery team and the Highways and Planning teams.  The arrangement would provide access to relevant consultants and support.  The Framework Agreement would provide a cost effective route to procure essential consultancy services and helped to manage a variable workload in a manner not possible through in-house provision.  It was noted that a similar agreement had been in place between 2014 and 2018.

The Cabinet supported the proposal, subject to amending recommendation (d) to require consultation with the relevant Lead Members on the appointment of suppliers.  Members also commented on the importance of ensuring clear key performance indicators were in place and monitored.  The recommendations were agreed.  

Resolved –

(a)  That the development and introduction of a four year professional services framework to enable the cost effective procurement of essential consultants across a range of services be approved.

(b)  That it be noted that as part of the procurement exercise, Officers will publish the notice in the Find a Tender to invite Expressions of interest from Suppliers wishing to tender.

(c)  That it be noted that having followed and satisfied all the legal, regulatory and statutory requirements the framework agreement is set to commence in 2022 and run for a period of 4 years (the maximum period for a Framework).

(d)  That delegated authority be given to the Director of Place, following consultation with the relevant Lead Member(s), to approve the appointment of suppliers to the award of the Professional Services Framework agreement.